Signing: Earthquakes ink German veteran Gorlitz

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has signed former Bayern Munich right back Andreas Gorlitz pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and international transfer certificate. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Andreas is an experienced veteran that has played at the highest level in Germany and with the German national team,” said Earthquakes head coach Mark Watson. “He has trained with us over the past month and has shown that he will be a good addition to our squad. We are happy to have him in San Jose.”

Gorlitz, 32, joins the Earthquakes after 12 years in the German professional ranks. He began his career with TSV 1860 Munchen in 2001 and made 37 Bundesliga appearances over his three seasons there. After being relegated at the end of the 2003-04 campaign, 1860 Munchen transferred Gorlitz to Bayern Munich. His first year with the German giants looked like a breakout for the attack-minded right back after starting five games, making two UEFA Champions League appearances and earning a pair of national team caps. However, a torn anterior-cruciate ligament in a Champions League match against Juventus sidelined him until 2006.

Gorlitz returned to action for Bayern Munich II, making 21 appearances before working his way back to first team action in 2006-07. His next move was a loan with Karlsruher SC from 2007-09, paving the way for a brief return to Bayern for the 2009-10 season, his last in Munich. Gorlitz spent the next three seasons with FC Ingolstadt 04. Gorlitz made 63 appearances for Die Schanzer and was a regular starter during his first two seasons before playing out his contract and making his way to the Earthquakes.

“Andreas is an excellent right back with a ton of experience. He’s great at getting forward and we’re excited to have him join the club,” said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle.

Internationally, Gorlitz made two appearances for Germany’s senior team. He debuted as a second half substitute in a friendly against Brazil on Sept. 8, 2004 and went a full 90 against Iran on Oct. 9, 2004. He also saw action in the youth ranks, earning a spot on Germany’s 1999 FIFA U-17 World Cup squad and suiting up for the U-21s at the 2004 European Championship.